ZD1839
ZD1839
ZD1839 (pronounced as Zee-Dee-One-Eight-Three-Nine), also known as Gefitinib, is a drug used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It is a selective inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase and is marketed by AstraZeneca under the trade name Iressa.
Etymology
The name ZD1839 is a unique identifier given by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The prefix "ZD" is a code used by the company for its drug development projects. The numbers "1839" do not have a specific meaning and are part of a sequential numbering system.
Usage
ZD1839 is primarily used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It works by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Related Terms
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR): A protein found on the surface of some cells to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide.
- Tyrosine kinase: An enzyme that can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a protein in a cell.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common type of lung cancer.
- AstraZeneca: A British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company.
Side Effects
Common side effects of ZD1839 include diarrhea, rash, acne, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Serious side effects can include lung problems, liver problems, and eye problems. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for any side effects that are severe or do not go away.
Precautions
Before taking ZD1839, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have lung disease, liver disease, or eye problems. It is also important to inform the healthcare provider of all the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements being taken.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on ZD1839
- Wikipedia's article - ZD1839
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